The Ultimate Bbq Rib Rub Sweet Smoky and Downright Delicious

BBQ Spice Rub for Ribs My Sweet Smoky Secret

By Kendra ThompsonJuly 8, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some ribs that practically melt in your mouth? This bbq spice rub for ribs is it . Honestly, I think it's the best bbq dry rub recipe I've ever used.

Sweet, smoky, and with a hint of heat, it's proper lush.

Brief Overview

This bbq rub recipe draws inspo from classic American BBQ but with a little something extra. It's dead easy, takes about 10 minutes to whip up, and makes enough for 3-4 racks of ribs.

Perfect for your next garden party.

Main Benefits

This homemade rib rub not only tastes amazing, but it also helps create a fantastic crust on your ribs. Ideal for impressing your mates at a weekend barbie.

What makes it special? The balance of flavours. The resulting fall off the bone ribs seasoning will change your cookouts for ever.

Right, let's talk ingredients.

The Ingredients You'll Need for the Best BBQ Rub Recipe:

Half a cup (100g) of packed light brown sugar to give it that sweetness.
A quarter cup (30g) of smoked paprika. This is the secret to the great taste of sweet and smoky rib rub
2 tablespoons (30ml) of kosher salt.
2 tablespoons (24g) each of garlic powder and onion powder can’t skip these.
1 tablespoon (7g) of freshly ground black pepper for a bit of a kick.
1 tablespoon (15ml) each of chili powder and ground cumin.
A teaspoon (5ml) of cayenne pepper if you want to spice things up with a spicy bbq rub recipe – optional, mind.
Lastly, a teaspoon (5ml) of dry mustard powder to round things off.

Don't stress if you're missing something. You know? You can always tweak it.

Alright, lets talk bbq spice rub for ribs . Honestly, the right rub can make or break your Best BBQ Ribs Recipe . It is the foundation of flavor. Let's get started.

Ingredients & Equipment For Your BBQ Dry Rub

First, let's gather everything we need for the perfect bbq rub recipe . This bbq spice rub for ribs is gonna be epic! It's my go-to homemade rib rub .

Main Ingredients

½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar: Look for moist, soft sugar.
¼ cup (30g) smoked paprika: The smokier, the better. Trust me.
2 tablespoons (30ml) kosher salt
2 tablespoons (24g) garlic powder
2 tablespoons (24g) onion powder
1 tablespoon (7g) black pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground makes a big difference.
1 tablespoon (15ml) chili powder
1 tablespoon (15ml) ground cumin
1 teaspoon (5ml) cayenne pepper (optional): Add if you want some heat.
1 teaspoon (5ml) dry mustard powder

Pro-tip: Measure precisely. Trust me, it's worth it for a consistent flavor.

Seasoning Notes

This bbq spice rub for ribs uses a classic combo of sweet, smoky, and savory. Think warmth and depth. You can sub chili powder for smoked paprika.

Don't skip the garlic and onion powder! They add a good base. For a Spicy BBQ Rub Recipe , up the cayenne.

Equipment Needed

Measuring cups and spoons: Gotta be precise.
Small mixing bowl: Nothing fancy required.
Whisk or spoon: To mix it all together.
Airtight container: To store the dry rub for ribs .

Don't have a whisk? A fork works just fine. Honestly, it's just mixing spices.

Okay, so what are you waiting for? You have a sweet and smoky rib rub ready to rock! This recipe can help with those fall off the bone ribs seasoning

Now, go make some amazing ribs with this incredible bbq spice rub for ribs . You know you want to!

Right then, let's talk about getting those ribs ready for the barbie. Honestly, the secret to seriously good ribs? It's all about the bbq spice rub for ribs .

Forget shop bought rubbish. We're making our own best bbq rub recipe !

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Lowdown

First things first, you gotta get your ducks in a row. That's the essential mise en place, innit? Get all your spices measured out.

Honestly, this Homemade rib rub comes together fast. Ten minutes tops. Grab that light brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, dry mustard powder, and kosher salt.

Chuck 'em all out on your worktop. Time saving tip: I measure everything into little bowls beforehand. Makes the whole process a doddle.

Just try not to spill anything, yeah?

step-by-step: Spice Magic

Alright, here's the really simple bit:

Combine: Dump all those ingredients into a medium sized mixing bowl.
Mix: Whisk, or just use a spoon, until everything is well mixed. You want to avoid lumps of brown sugar, mind.
Store: Bung that bbq dry rub into an airtight container. Cupboard's fine.
Apply: Now, this is important. Slather that Best BBQ ribs recipe all over your ribs. Get every nook and cranny.
Chill: Wrap those ribs up tight in cling film and let them sit in the fridge for at least two hours. Overnight is even better. The longer they sit, the better the flavor will be.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Rib Game

Want to take your ribs from decent to legendary ? Here's the inside scoop. Number one: fresh spices. That freshly ground black pepper will make a world of difference.

Number two: Don't be shy with the rub. Really pack it on there. Think of it as a delicious, protective blanket for your ribs.

A Spicy BBQ Rub Recipe variation? Add a dash more cayenne. Avoiding the common mistake of under seasoning can be a right game changer!

Making this sweet and smoky rib rub is easy peasy lemon squeezy. A killer bbq rub recipe makes all the difference.

Plus, you can totally make this ahead of time. Store it in a cool, dark place, and it will keep for ages.

You are now on your way to having fall off the bone ribs seasoning . Give it a go. You won't regret it!

Recipe Notes for the Best BBQ Rub Recipe

So, you're about to make some proper ribs, eh? Good on ya. Let's talk about a few things to keep in mind when using this bbq spice rub for ribs .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters. Think about how you're going to serve those beauties. A big platter piled high is always a winner.

Maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some sliced red onions for a pop of colour. For sides, you can't go wrong with classic coleslaw or some buttery corn on the cob.

To drink? A cold beer or sweet iced tea does the trick.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your BBQ Dry Rub Fresh

This homemade rib rub keeps well, thankfully! Keep it in an airtight container away from heat and light. It'll be good for up to six months.

I usually store mine in a mason jar. Easy peasy.

Refrigeration: Not needed for dry rubs.
Freezing: Not recommended, as it might clump.
Reheating: N/A

Variations: Spicing Things Up

Fancy a change? You could try adding a bit more cayenne for a spicy bbq rub recipe . Or maybe some dried rosemary for an earthy note.

For a low-sugar version, swap the brown sugar for a sweetener. Simple as that.

Low-sugar: Use a brown sugar substitute.
Sweet and smoky rib rub : Double the smoked paprika.

Nutrition Basics: A Quick Look

Alright, so this isn't exactly a health food. But a little goes a long way! The rub mainly adds flavour, not a huge calorie bomb.

Do be mindful of the salt content, though. Too much can ruin your day.

This bbq rub recipe brings joy! Knowing you've got a competition BBQ rub worthy flavour bomb is half the battle.

Now go on, get those ribs cooking! And remember, low and slow is the way to get that delicious fall off the bone ribs seasoning .

You got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I leave the bbq spice rub for ribs on before cooking?

For the best flavour, aim to apply the BBQ spice rub for ribs at least 2 hours before cooking, or even better, overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat and create a deeper, more complex flavour profile. Think of it like marinating; the longer, the better!

Can I adjust the level of spice in this BBQ spice rub for ribs recipe?

Absolutely! This BBQ spice rub for ribs recipe is designed to be customizable. If you're sensitive to heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper entirely. If you like a bit more kick, add a bit more cayenne or even a pinch of smoked chili flakes just taste as you go!

Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!

How do I store leftover bbq spice rub for ribs?

Store any leftover BBQ spice rub for ribs in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. A pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight is ideal. When stored properly, your homemade spice rub should last for up to 6 months, or even longer!

My rub is clumping up, what can I do?

This is usually down to moisture getting into the brown sugar. Give it a good shake in the container and if needed, break up the clumps with a fork. You can also add a small silica gel packet (like the ones found in vitamin bottles) to the container to help absorb any excess moisture.

Just make sure you don't accidentally use one that says "Do Not Eat" wouldn't want a hospital visit!

Can I use this bbq spice rub for ribs on other meats besides ribs?

Definitely! While this BBQ spice rub for ribs is particularly amazing on ribs, it's also fantastic on chicken, pork shoulder (pulled pork!), or even beef brisket. It's a versatile blend of flavours that works well with most cuts of meat that benefit from low and slow cooking.

Try it on some chicken wings for a right proper treat!

Is there anything I can substitute for smoked paprika?

Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky depth, but if you can't find it, you can use regular paprika as a substitute. You might want to add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the rub to compensate for the missing smokiness, but be careful not to overdo it, a little goes a long way!

Alternatively, you could try using a chipotle powder for a slightly different, but still delicious, smoky flavour.